How Are Pre Existing Conditions Covered By Travel Medical Insurance?

How are pre existing conditions covered by travel medical insurance? Like many other aspects of the travel and insurance industry, the answer to this question depends on several factors. Some policies may...

Like many other aspects of the travel and insurance industry, the answer to this question depends on several factors. Some policies may include pre-existing medical conditions while others may have a waiver that covers conditions that are fairly stable for a set period of time. Pre-existing conditions may also flare up while on a trip.

Having a pre existing condition will put you at a higher risk than a person without such a condition - and also means you may be paying more for the coverage - but it doesn't necessarily exclude you from being insured. It is important to make sure that you honestly disclose any pre-existing conditions to your insurance company - if you don't, the insurance company has the right to revoke your policy at a later date.

Some common and more acceptable pre existing conditions are high blood pressure, aids, and recovering from a stroke. And some things that the insurance companies class as pre-existing are commonplace and familiar to many of us - high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Being pregnant is also considered to be a pre existing condition - the coverage here may depend to a large degree on how far along the pregnancy is.

If you are flying while pregnant, apart from the insurance coverage, there may be guidelines set by your airline. Generally, if you are flying domestically, the airlines allow you to travel without any restrictions unless you are within a few weeks of your due date in which case you may need a note from your doctor. You aren't usually allowed to travel by air a week after your delivery date.

And if you are flying overseas or on a flight over water, your airline may not allow you to fly within a month of the due date unless cleared by them first. If you are flying on a non-refundable ticket and have a verifiable contagious disease, your airline may refund or change your ticket for you, in regard to the safety of other passengers.

If you are pregnant and planning a cruise, check with your cruise line as to their restrictions - some larger cruise lines don't allow pregnant women to sail during their third trimester. Keep in mind that smaller cruise ships (100 passengers or less) don't have medical staff on board and may not have a well stocked pharmacy. It's a good idea to make sure you take any medication or supplements you are likely to need.

Whereas most pre-existing conditions are acceptable, there are some extreme conditions that might prevent you from being insured. Insurance companies tend to be wary if you have recently been hospitalized or diagnosed with your condition. Generally, the longer you have had it - the better it makes them feel.

There is also the question of whether you are having treatment currently - if you were diagnosed with a disease eleven years ago, but have not been treated for five years, even with a gap in insurance, you are not said to have a pre-existing condition.